Release Date: September 25, 2025, other consoles TBD
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Developer: Supergiant Games
Publishers: Supergiant Games
Only a few games have a true claim to the roguelike/roguelite Mount Rushmore — Spelunky, Slay the Spire, The Binding of Isaac,and, of course, the first Hades (can we please add a 5th slot for FTL: Faster Than Light?).
Hades 2 marks the first sequel for the indie powerhouse, Supergiant Games. Entering Early Access in 2024, four years after the first Hades release, Hades 2 has succeeded in passing on the torch and carrying the momentum of its predecessor.
Our review for Hades 2 was conducted with the PC version.
The Highs
Builds off of Hades 1 Perfectly
Despite Hades 2 having a new main protagonist, cast of characters, and setting, it seamlessly picks up the torch.
Its art direction, voice acting, animations, and music are still best-in-class for the genre, a standard few roguelikes in the past four years have even approached.
Without spoiling the story, there's significantly more content in Hades 2 (even the Early Access version had more than the first Hades).
It's truly improved the original's formula in ways that never feel too forceful, and even make sense within the context of gameplay.
For example, you play as Melinoë, the sister of Hades 1's main character, Zagreus. Compared to her brother, Melinoë is a witch, so she provides more depth to her gameplay with the introduction of a mana system called Magick.
Magick grants an evolution to the Attack, Special, and Cast you know and love from Hades 1 by offering empowered "Omega" versions when you hold down each button.
Throughout your runs, you can opt into improving your Magick in ways such as expanding your maximum limit or finding ways of regenerating it.
This one new system adds new depth to micro skill expression and macro build crafting — it's just one instance of how Hades 2 elegantly pushes the boundaries as a sequel without making anything feel too forced (Arcana Cards are another clear example).
Impeccable Pacing
Roguelikes and roguelites are repetitive by nature, but Hades 2 magically weaves together your many runs into one cohesive story that really feels like your own.
There's always something new right around the corner. Whether its a new development at your Crossroads base, unlocked Weapons or Aspects in your arsenal, or the introduction of an NPC, the list goes on.
Overall, the fundamental loop is hidden well and frustrating moments never last too long as you'll often have a new upgrade or possibility that makes you want to jump right back in.
Made for Everyone
Supergiant Games have put emphasis into making the Hades series accessible for everyone and Hades 2 continues that commitment.
Never played Hades 1?No worries. You can jump right in as the story stands on its own while still rewarding players who know the previous lore.
Finding things too difficult? You can lower the floor of the game by activating God Mode, which increases your damage resistance and gradually makes the game easier each time you die.
Lastly, if you want to get sweaty and really push the challenge level, the new Oath of the Unseen system provides "Vows" to scratch that hardcore itch.
The Lows
A Lot of Resource Management
You might have already heard about Hades 2’s resource system from other reviews — and with good reason.
It's true that there are a lot of currencies and it is a lot to keep track of as they're consecutively introduced early on, but you'll get accustomed to them pretty quickly.
Even if your choices aren't always "optimal", it's far from being a deal breaker as any long-term upgrade will help make your runs easier.
Uninspiring "Mini-Games"
At certain points in the game, you'll have the ability to interact with parts of the environments to gain a resource.
Although they succeed as a brief reprieve from battle, the required tasks themselves are so simple, it feels like an after thought.
Compared to the rest of the effort put into the game, it's definitely a strange low point.
Lacks Defensive Weapon Options
Melinoë's repertoire of weapons offers its own unique upside and flavor, but it does have some blindspots if you're looking for particular playstyles from Hades 1.
Most notably, there isn't a defensive weapon like the Shield of Chaos, which could block indefinitely. You also won't find purely ranged weapons like the Rail or Bow.
Still, the tradeoff is getting weapon choices that are better designed and overall, less linear.
Our Score
10/10 (A Magical and Masterful Sequel)
From Olympus to Underworld, Hades 2 delivers as the rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor in essentially every way.
Even after four years since Hades 1 with many aspirants and copycats who tried to emulate evolve its formula, only Supergiant Games themselves have been able to pull it off.
This is a game we can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone — whether you plan to experience it just once for the story or replay it hundreds of times in the years ahead.
Note that we know the ending will be divisive for some, but keep in mind the additional epilogue cutscenes that open the door for more interpretations.
